It's been 20 years since chronic traumatic encephalopathy was first linked to football, yet the very policies in place to protect players from concussions still leave them at risk for repeated head injuries.

From the most storied college football teams down through high school and youth leagues, a Dispatch investigation found that programs have fallen short in safeguarding players from CTE and have left them vulnerable to the "silent epidemic" of concussions.

Meanwhile, the emergence of mega conferences, billions in TV deals and athlete name, image and likeness payments have upended the game and narrowed the fine line between pro and college football.

The competing pressures have culminated in what one advocate called a "concussion time bomb." And the clock may be running out to prevent the next generation of football players from facing a future with CTE.